Tomatoes

Food writer Miriam Rubin gives this staple of southern gardens the passionate portrait it deserves, exploring the tomato's rich history in southern culture and inspiring home cooks to fully enjoy this summer standout in all its glorious variety. Rubin provides 50 vibrant recipes, including Stand-over-the-Sink Tomato Sandwiches, Spiced Green Tomato Crumb Cake and Green Tomato and Pork Tenderloin Biscuit Pie, as well as wisdom about how to choose tomatoes and which tomato is right for which dish. "Tomatoes" also includes lessons on history, cultivation and preserving, and variations for year-round enjoyment. Published by University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. Hardcover, 131 pages, $19 (e-book and paperback).